These are a few of the stories you will find in this week's printed newspaper:

State aid sought for watermaster investigation

Utility discusses future rate increases

Lassen Community College honors Disability Awareness Month

Supervisors table Herlong property sale

Local resident wins Mini Miss California pageant

Lassen Family Services to provide free shoes through national program

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2014 — Just in time for the holiday season, Payless ShoeSource is once again launching its annual international children’s shoe-donation program, Payless GivesTM Shoes 4 Kids, and has announced its selected charity partners include Lassen Family Services.

The program — which reaches all 50 states — will give more than $1.5 million of free shoes to children of families in need this holiday season.

A group of children served by Lassen Family Services will participate in a shoe-shopping trip at the Payless ShoeSource store here in Susanville. The children will enjoy shopping for and selecting their own pair of free new shoes. For many youth accustomed to used and hand-me-down shoes, this will be their first pair of new shoes.

Equine partners saddle up to help protect California's natural resources

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014 — Wildlife officers at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are turning to an age-old enforcement tool — the horse — to help protect California's natural resources.

While there is no formal mounted patrol unit, some wildlife officers are using their own personal horses for routine patrol in the backcountry. Much like canine partners, horses can see, hear and go places faster and quieter than modern technology. Covering up to 20 miles a day, equine patrols can show up where you least expect them, even in the most adverse conditions.

Commission extends CSD deadline to apply

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014 — Sometimes the will of the people cuts both ways simultaneously.

Case in point: A majority of voters in the Big Valley area that spans Lassen and Modoc county voted to approve Measure X, a proposal that creates a special district to bring back ambulance service to the area. In the same election, a second ballot measure, Measure Y, a proposal to provide the funding to finance the newly formed district, failed.

Measure X passed with a 61 percent yes vote in Lassen County and a 58 percent yes vote in Modoc County, forming the special district. But

Lassen College to negotiate repayment plan

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014 — Though the Lassen Community College administration hoped the annual resolution agreement payment would be completely forgiven, there is a deal in the works potentially allowing the institution to free up some money.

At the Tuesday, Dec. 9 board of trustees meeting, Lassen community college superintendent/president Dr. Marlon Hall said the school had been conversing with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office regarding the annual $162,047 resolution agreement payment. The school hoped the total sum could be forgiven so the school could improve buildings on campus.